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Spyware: What is it?



Spyware is usually a little program or piece of software which latches itself onto your computer using deceptive tactics. This basically means that you have allowed it to install itself on your PC by simply clicking a misleading button or link. Some of them even install themselves automatically when you open a web page and you don't even realize it has done so.

The way you can tell your computer is infected by spyware is that it begins to do a number of things such as:

- Changing your PC settings
- Opening unwanted ad boxes every time you search the net
- Re-directing your internet browser
- Stealing your commissions you earn through affiliate marketing
- Slowing down your connection speed
- Changing your homepage

Some of the more hidden activities this harmful software undertakes are:

- Tracking the web pages you visit
- Logging keystrokes
- Logging password and login details
- Logging private details such as credit card numbers and bank account details

The word "spyware" has been around since 1995 but it's meaning has become a lot more serious for PC users now than it was back then when it was used to have a light hearted dig at Microsoft.

Ten years later, in 2005, a survey revealed that more than half of all PC's have been infected with some kind of spyware and practically none of those users had any idea where it came from and don't even remember it being installed let alone giving it permission to do so.

Since then, reports show that over 90% of PC's are now infected in some way by harmful and unwanted spyware.

At this point in time, it seems there is not much the law can do to stop the creators of these spyware programs from operating. The reason for this is that most of them either cover their tracks, preventing their true identity being discovered or they have a brilliant knowledge and use of the fine print found in shareware programs.

A lot of these shareware programs have a bunch of "legalese" to wade through and this is where they hide clauses that make the user responsible for everything downloaded in the shareware file.

These clauses state, for example, that by downloading their files you give them permission to infect your computer with spyware.

On this site you will find several more helpful articles which deal with spyware, anti spyware and how to protect your PC against infection.